Spring into Books! Millbrook's Book Festival.

The Village of Millbrook hosts its first book festival, "Spring into Books," Saturday and Sunday, May 16 and 17. This village-wide event promises a fun, free, and family-oriented day of lively panel discussions with award-winning authors, book signings, and events for children.

Kick-off festivities begin Friday, at 6pm. at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, 2801 Sharon Turnpike/ Rt.44. They host a reception that features musical entertainment and refreshments. Andrew C. Revkin, New York Times environmental reporter, gives a presentation, "The Uncertain Journey Toward Nine Billion: Communicating Ecology on a Crowding Planet "at 7pm. Festival goers are invited along on guided tours of the Cary Institute and can attend science demonstrations from 4pm to 6pm.

On Saturday, start with breakfast at Grace Church. Then book lovers of all ages are invited to join authors for signings and panel discussions at locations throughout Millbrook. Topics include Literary Fiction, Romance, Mystery, Historical Fiction, Local History, Poetry, Picture Books, and Spirituality. The Library offers kids' story-telling. Area eateries and civic groups sell food all day, which ends with a pasta dinner at St. Joseph's School. The festival closes with Susan Sparks' family-friendly stand-up comedy at 7pm.

More than 50 presenters are on tap! A few of the authors slated to appear include Valerie Martin, whose novel "Property", won the Orange Prize; children's writer Alan Katz, author of "Are You Quite Polite?", and whose TV writing has garnered several Emmy nominations; mystery writer Julia Spencer-Fleming, Edgar Award finalist for her novel "Out of the Deep I Cry"; and Jennifer Donnelly, recipient of the Carnegie Medal for her young adult novel "A Northern Light". Don't miss Karen Orloff, author of "I Wanna Iguana".

Following each panel, there's a book signing at that venue. Books may be purchased either at Merritt Bookstore or at the signing. Additional authors not on a panel sign books at Merritt Bookstore and in the Village throughout the day.

Free; donations accepted and suggested donation for the meals. Visit the Millbrook Book Festival website at http://www.millbrookbookfestival.org ; View the the schedule of events .